Times of India

BJP leaders, including president J P Nadda, strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi's remark about fighting the BJP, RSS, and the Indian state. They accused him of aligning with subversive forces and claimed his statement confirmed Congress's alleged ties with 'urban Naxals'. Union ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Dharmendra Pradhan also condemned his comments, arguing they reflect a dangerous and divisive mindset.

Indian space-tech startups Pixxel, Digantara, and XDLINX Space Labs successfully launch satellites to monitor earth and space objects aboard SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission. Pixxel's Firefly constellation achieves India's first private satellite constellation with high-resolution imaging. Digantara enhances space safety, and XDLINX introduces E-band communication technology.

The United States and Qatar have facilitated a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, ending a 15-month conflict. The deal includes a hostage exchange and aims for a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal, and the reconstruction of Gaza. US President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, and former President Barack Obama have all expressed their support for the agreement.

In an effort to maintain cleanliness and safeguard the welfare of its temple elephant, the centuries-old Virupaksha Temple in Hampi has banned bananas on its premises. Increased tourist activity, which includes feeding bananas to the temple's elephant, Laxmi, has led to leftover bananas and plastic bags littering the area. The ban aims to ensure the sacred site remains clean and to protect Laxmi from distress.

In 2024, India experienced over 3,200 deaths due to extreme weather events. Notably, lightning and thunderstorms claimed 1,374 lives, floods and heavy rains caused 1,287 fatalities, and heat waves led to 459 deaths. The year was the hottest on record, with significant temperature increases across various regions. Additionally, several cities reported new temperature and rainfall records, highlighting the impact of climate change.

The Supreme Court reprimanded the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for making submissions contrary to the law regarding bail for certain categories under the PMLA, like minors or sick persons. The court emphasized it will not tolerate such conduct and ordered the release of accused Shashi Balaha on bail.

Meta officials have issued an unconditional apology to the Indian government following remarks made by CEO Mark Zuckerberg about the 2024 general election. The apology emphasized India's importance to the company. Parliamentary committee head Nishikant Dubey accepted the apology, saying the committee would not pursue the matter further. Zuckerberg's comments suggested India's government lost the election due to its Covid-19 response.

The government has dedicated 1.5 acres at Rashtriya Smriti complex in New Delhi for a memorial for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, adjacent to the site designated for former President Pranab Mukherjee's memorial. Singh's family has been requested to establish a trust to proceed with formalities, and they are yet to decide on the type of memorial.

A 2023-formed high-powered panel urges legal action against an individual, ostensibly Vikash Yadav, for his alleged role in the failed assassination plot of US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Despite Yadav's US conspiracy charges, the committee recommends systems improvements and coordination to address such security threats.

The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and Election Commission after Congress's Jairam Ramesh challenged an amendment curtailing public access to election records, including CCTV footage. Ramesh argues this restricts the public's right to information under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution and threatens election transparency. The court has scheduled a hearing for next March.

The Supreme Court sought expert opinions from AIIMS Delhi on Jagjit Singh Dallewal's medical condition after 50 days of fasting. The Punjab Chief Secretary was directed to provide all medical reports. The court was surprised at claims of stable health parameters. The court plans a comprehensive order post-expert panel report and ongoing talks with protesting farmers, showing potential resolution.

India's long-term skilling mission is showing results, with the country ranked 27th in QS World Future Skills Index, and second in Future of Work. India excels in AI, digital, and green skills adoption, while recommendations include enhancing higher education, industry-academia collaboration, and focusing on emerging technologies for sustained growth.

Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the expansion of the 'Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Program' to seven more airports on Thursday. Now, pre-verified flyers at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad can use automated e-gates for faster biometric-based immigration, following its successful implementation at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The Karnataka government has delayed discussing the caste census report, initially scheduled for cabinet review, amid concerns from Lingayat and Vokkaliga communities about the report's implications. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed speculation, stating the data is not public and opposition is based on assumptions.

US President Joe Biden declared the administration and the incoming Trump team unified in coordinating on a Gaza ceasefire deal. "In the past few days, we have been speaking as one team," Biden said as he outlined a three-phase plan starting with a six-week ceasefire, leading to the release of hostages and withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu proposes allowing only those with over two children to contest municipal and panchayat elections, aiming to tackle ageing population issues. He is also considering incentivizing larger families with more subsidized rice, reflecting similar policies from countries facing demographic challenges.

Three men stole a motorcycle from a fatal accident scene, abandoning the injured victim, Vikas, who later died. Moments after the theft, they crashed and were hospitalized. Police are investigating the incidents using CCTV footage and exploring whether the men were intoxicated after the theft.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three naval vessels, emphasizing India's maritime legacy and self-reliance. Modi outlined plans for navy modernization, job creation through domestic warship construction, and port sector expansion. He highlighted regional security, the SAGAR initiative, and increased confidence in domestically-made equipment. India's defence production now exceeds Rs 1.25 lakh crore.

Aligarh Municipal Corporation issued a notice to Aligarh Muslim University demanding the clearance of Rs 24.4 crore in pending house tax dues within 15 days. The dues are for 18 properties owned by the university, dating back to 2017. Legal action may follow if not paid.

The report on the Pannun murder plot, submitted just before Trump's inauguration, urges swift legal action against Vikash Yadav and highlights potential diplomatic tension between India and the US. Progress in technology and defence ties was noted, while concerns over Khalistan separatist activities and possible US extradition of Yadav remain unresolved.